The greatest compliment is that for many people More is Douglas Bader, the cocky pilot who overcame the loss of his legs in a pre-war flying accident to become one of the RAF's most decorated heroes in the 2nd World War. And while it doesn't strictly reflect real-life (it plays down Bader's arrogance and foolhardiness which lead to his disability in the first place), it doesn't matter as More's easy charm is just a joy to watch. More depicts with unerring skill the humour, friendliness and supreme fortitude of one of the war's most honored heroes regardless of the reasons behind him losing his legs in the first place.

Compare this film to the now hopelessly dated Hollywood's tales about heroism during the Second World War which were tainted by smug patriotism and unwelcome sentiment. This film, like many post-war British war films tends to handle the events of the conflict with fidelity and dignity, thanks no doubt to its worthy documentary heritage. Yes, it's not strictly accurate but it sure as hell is more believable than its Hollywood counterparts.

The director, Lewis Gilbert, masterfully makes the drama as compelling as the action sequences.

When all is said and done, this is the story of courage, showing a man's triumph over physical disability and every obstacle raised to curtail his normal activities. It covers the career of Bader who, after losing both legs in a plane crash while stunting, succeeds in rejoining the RAF to become a Wing Commander in the 2nd World War and one of the aces in the Battle of Britain.

His determination to take up life where it nearly left off and return to the only job he knows, is shown without heroics. And this enhances its dramatic value. Every Air Force taboo on his disability is finally overcome and he gets airborne again with the outbreak of war.

Lyndon Brook plays the staunch friend who has to break the news to Bader of his affliction. Alexander Knox is quietly effective as the surgeon.

Adapted from the biography [The Story of Douglas Bader] by Bader's fellow pilot Paul Brickhill.

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